Religious Right » Former World Vision Manager Accused of Producing Child Porn

Former World Vision Manager Accused of Producing Child Porn

By Louie Rosella

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

MISSISSAUGA World Vision Canada has launched an internal investigation after learning a former manager is facing nine charges in connection with a child pornography investigation in which police fear there may be more victims.

Toronto Police Det. Const. Scott McQuoid told reporters Monday morning that a man was using social media to lure teenage girls in addition to distributing pornography.

"This man was making, accessing, possessing and making available pornography over the internet," said McQuoid.

It's alleged that a man was posing as a teenager and had several aliases and email addresses that he used to contact children, McQuoid said: Abigail Davies; abbydavies429@gmail.com; Danica Pines: danicapines@gmail.com; Maria Moon: zippym97@gmail.com; Natasha Z: natashamoo97@gmail.com; Jim Victorry: jvictorry@gmail.com; and Ashton Gomes: ashtongomes98@gmail.com.

Police say one of the aliases was used to communicate and lure a girl under the age of 16.

A search warrant was executed at a home in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. area last Wednesday. James "Jim" Vanderberg was arrested and appeared in court the same day.

Vanderberg, 57, a self-employed videographer, has been charged with five counts of making child pornography, possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, making available child pornography and luring a child under the age of 16.

World Vision Canada, headquartered in Mississauga, confirmed VanderBerg worked as manager of talent relations from 2006 to 2012.

The organization called the charges laid against him "very concerning" and is now launching an internal investigation.

"The protection of children is critical to World Vision Canada," the company said in the statement released Monday afternoon. "We have in place extensive child protection policies and procedures for all staff, board members, contractors and volunteers. All staff are required to have a criminal record check prior to joining the organization, as well as periodic searches thereafter."

World Vision Canada says it has not been contacted by police in this matter, and at this point there is nothing to suggest that the allegations have any connection to Vanderberg's work with World Vision.

"However, in light of the charges against Mr. Vanderberg and as mandated by our child protection policies, World Vision Canada will be conducting an internal investigation," the company said.

Police believe there may be other victims living in Canada and other parts of the world. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 416-808-8500.